“Not all those who wander are lost.”

Here is the detailed itinerary for the Friendship Peak Expedition:

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Day 1: Arrival in Manali (2,050m)

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On Day 1 of the Friendship Peak Expedition, you will arrive in Manali, which is the starting point for the trek. You can reach Manali by taking a flight to Bhuntar Airport or taking a bus from Delhi. Once you reach Manali, you will check into your hotel and meet the rest of the team members. You will have a briefing session with your trek leader and other team members where you will discuss the itinerary and safety guidelines. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful town of Manali or relaxing at your hotel to acclimatize to the altitude.

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Day 2: Acclimatization and Preparation Day in Manali (2,050m)

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On Day 2 of the Friendship Peak Expedition, you will spend the day in Manali for acclimatization and preparation. Acclimatization is an essential part of the expedition, as it helps your body adjust to the high altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. You can take a short walk around Manali to get used to the altitude or go for a sightseeing tour of the town. In the afternoon, you will meet your guide and undergo a gear check to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment and clothing for the trek. You will also have a final briefing with your trek leader, who will explain the route, safety precautions, and weather conditions. Afterward, you can spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the trek.

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Day 3: Drive from Manali to Solang Valley (2,560m), and trek to Dhundi (2,800m)

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On Day 3 of the Friendship Peak Expedition, you will drive from Manali to Solang Valley, which is about 14 km from Manali, and start your trek to Dhundi. Solang Valley is a popular tourist spot and a base camp for several treks and mountaineering expeditions in the region. From Solang Valley, you will start your trek to Dhundi, which is about 8 km away. The trail passes through a dense forest of pine and oak trees, and you will cross several streams and waterfalls on the way. The trail is gradual, and you will gain about 240 meters in altitude. It will take you around 3-4 hours to reach Dhundi, where you will set up your camp for the night. Dhundi is a beautiful campsite located in a meadow with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can explore the area or relax at your campsite for the rest of the day.

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Day 4: Trek from Dhundi to Bakarthach (3,300m)

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On Day 4, you will start your trek from Dhundi to Bakarthach. The trail is well-defined and passes through the beautiful Solang Valley. You will cross the Beas River over a bridge and then climb up through the forest of oak, birch, and rhododendron trees. The climb is gradual, and you will gain an altitude of about 500 meters. After trekking for about 5-6 hours, you will reach Bakarthach, which is a picturesque meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You will set up your camp for the night at Bakarthach and rest for the day to acclimatize to the altitude.

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Day 5: Trek from Bakarthach to Beas Kund (3,700m) and back to Bakarthach

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On Day 5, you will trek from Bakarthach to Beas Kund and back to Bakarthach. The trail starts with a steep climb from Bakarthach, and the route is rocky and uneven. You will pass through some beautiful meadows, and after a few hours of trekking, you will reach the Beas Kund. The Beas Kund is a glacial lake that is the source of the Beas River. The view from the Beas Kund is breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake. After spending some time at the Beas Kund, you will start your trek back to Bakarthach, where you will spend the night.

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Day 6: Trek from Bakarthach to Friendship Peak Base Camp (4,800m)

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On Day 6, you will trek from Bakarthach to Friendship Peak Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,800m. The trail is steep and challenging, and you will be trekking on a moraine ridge for most of the day. The views along the way are spectacular, with snow-capped peaks and glaciers all around. You will be crossing the Beas Kund glacier, which can be slippery and dangerous, so it is important to be cautious and follow your guide's instructions. Once you reach the Friendship Peak Base Camp, you will set up your tents and spend the night there.

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Day 7: Acclimatization day at Base Camp (4,800m)

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Day 7 is an acclimatization day at Friendship Peak Base Camp. It is important to take a rest day at this altitude to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude conditions. You can spend the day exploring the base camp area, taking short walks around the camp, and practicing climbing techniques. Your guide will also conduct a briefing session to discuss the climb and safety protocols. You will have ample time to relax and rejuvenate before the summit push. In the evening, you will have dinner and an overnight stay at the base camp.

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Day 8: Basic Mountaineering Course Training at Base Camp (4,800m)

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Day 8 is dedicated to Basic Mountaineering Course Training at Friendship Peak Base Camp. Your experienced guide will conduct a training session to teach you the basic mountaineering skills that you will need during the climb. This will include techniques for using ice axe, crampons, ropes, and other climbing equipment. You will also learn about climbing knots, belaying techniques, and self-arrest techniques. This training will help you to gain confidence and prepare for the climb. In the evening, you will have dinner and an overnight stay at the base camp.

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Day 9: Move to Advance Base Camp (ABC) (5,200m)

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On Day 9, you will move from Friendship Peak Base Camp to Advance Base Camp (ABC) at an altitude of 5,200m. This will be a challenging trek as you will be gaining a significant altitude. You will be trekking through rocky terrain and steep slopes. The trail will be filled with moraines, glaciers, and streams.

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The trek to ABC will take around 4-5 hours, depending on your pace. Upon reaching ABC, you will set up your camps and spend the rest of the day acclimatizing and resting. You will also receive a briefing from your guide about the route and the climbing techniques for the summit push. You will also practice using the equipment and gear that will be used during the climb. 

You will spend the night at the Advance Base Camp.

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Day 10: Rest and acclimatization day at ABC (5,200m)

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On day 10 of the Friendship Peak Expedition, you will have a rest day at Advance Base Camp (ABC) located at an altitude of 5,200m. This is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the high altitude and thin air. You can spend the day resting, exploring the surroundings, and taking short walks around the camp. It's important to stay hydrated and consume enough food to maintain your energy levels. The rest day will help you prepare for the summit push in the coming days.

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Day 11: Climb to Camp 1 (5,800m)

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On this day, you will climb to Camp 1 at 5,800m. This climb involves crossing a glacier and ascending steep slopes. The climb can take around 4-6 hours, and you will be using fixed ropes to ascend. Once you reach Camp 1, you will rest and acclimatize for the next day's climb to Camp 2.

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Day 12: Rest day at Camp 1 (5,800m)

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On the rest day at Camp 1, climbers typically take a break from climbing and focus on rest and recovery. The high altitude can take a toll on the body, so it is important to give it time to acclimatize and recover before continuing the ascent. Climbers may spend the day relaxing in their tents, reading, or simply enjoying the spectacular mountain views. They may also perform some light exercises or go for short walks to maintain their fitness and keep their muscles active. It is crucial to stay hydrated and well-fed during the rest day to replenish energy levels for the upcoming climb. The rest day is also an opportunity to assess the weather conditions and prepare for the next phase of the climb.

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Day 13: Camp 1 (5,800m) to Camp 2 (6,200m)

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On this day, you will make the climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2, which is located at an altitude of 6,200m. The climb is steep and challenging, and you will need to use your mountaineering skills to negotiate the route. The climb typically takes around 5-6 hours, and you will need to carry all your gear and supplies with you. Once you reach Camp 2, you will set up your tents and rest for the night in preparation for the next day's climb.

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Day 14: Rest day at Camp 2 (6,200m)

 

A rest day at Camp 2 (6,200m) would be a reasonable option for acclimatization before attempting the final summit push. This rest day will help the climbers to recover from the climb from Camp 1 and prepare themselves for the upcoming challenges of the expedition. During this day, climbers may also review their gear and double-check their supplies, and assess their physical and mental condition before the summit push.

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Day 15: Summit Day (5,289m) and descend to Camp 1

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Assuming that Day 15 is indeed the summit day, the itinerary for the day might look something like this:

Early morning wake-up call and breakfast at Camp 2 (6,200m)
Start the climb to the summit of Friendship Peak (5,289m)
The climb may involve steep ascents, snow and ice climbing, and the use of mountaineering equipment such as crampons, ice axes, and ropes.
The summit push may take several hours, depending on the weather and the physical condition of the climbers.
Once at the summit, take in the panoramic views and celebrate the achievement with the team.
Descend back to Camp 1 (5,800m) for a well-deserved rest.

Of course, the exact itinerary may vary depending on the conditions on the mountain and the preferences of the climbing team. Safety considerations are also paramount, and the climb may be called off or delayed if weather or other factors pose a risk to the climbers.

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Day 16: Descend to Base Camp (4,800m)

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After a successful summit of Friendship Peak, the team will descend back to Base Camp on this day. The descent may take around 4-6 hours depending on the weather conditions and the pace of the climbers. Upon reaching Base Camp, the team will celebrate their success and rest for the night.

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Day 17: Rest day at Base Camp (4,800m)

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As the expedition is completed, Day 17 can be considered as the departure day from Base Camp. However, depending on the schedule and requirements of the trekking company, the team may choose to spend an additional day at Base Camp for rest and recovery before departing.

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Day 18: Trek back from Friendship Peak Base Camp to Bakarthach

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Early morning breakfast at Base Camp. Start trekking downhill toward Bakarthach (3,300m). The trek will take around 5-6 hours depending on the pace. The trail passes through beautiful alpine meadows and forests. Enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Reach Bakarthach and set up camp for the night
 

Rest and relax after a long trek

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Day 19: Trek back from Bakarthach to Solang Valley and drive to Manali

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On this day, you will trek back from Bakarthach to Solang Valley and then drive to Manali. The trek from Bakarthach to Solang Valley takes around 4-5 hours. You will follow the same trail that you took on your way up. Once you reach Solang Valley, you will board the vehicle waiting for you and drive back to Manali.

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In Manali, you can relax and celebrate your successful expedition. You may want to visit some local markets and shops to buy souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. You can also enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife before retiring for the night.

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Day 20: Departure from Manali

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​On Day 20, the Friendship Peak Expedition officially comes to an end. Participants can depart from Manali at their convenience. Some may choose to spend an extra day or two in Manali to explore the local area, do some shopping or enjoy some leisure activities before returning home.

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Note: The itinerary may vary depending on the operator, weather conditions, and other factors.